Drummond Hill

Views of Loch Tay and Glen Lyon from above Kenmore

Drummond Hill was probably Scotland’s first managed forest. Sir Duncan Campbell, known as Black Duncan of Breadalbane because of his ruthless character, planted it with oak, birch and Scots pine back in the 17th century. Now it’s a rich habitat that’s home to lots of wildlife, and part of the fascinating heritage of forests that make up Perthshire’s Big Tree Country.

Keep a look out for the boar carvings in stones that mark one of the walks here – they’re based on the boar of the Clan Campbell’s crest.

Walking trails

Taymouth Trail

Explore the mature beech woodland on the slopes of Drummond Hill that shelters the rare capercaillie.

Mostly wide, uneven gravel surface. Some short earthy sections with exposed tree roots. Long moderate slopes for 3/4 mile with some steep sections. Parts may be muddy.

2 ½ miles / 3.9 km

Allow 1½ hours

More information

If you visit early on a quiet Spring morning, listen out for unusual popping, rattling, clucking and gurgling sounds – the call of the male capercaillie trying to attract a mate. You need to be very early though: they've usually finished their display by 6 o'clock.

Terrain description

Gravel forest roads, and gravel and earth paths. Narrow and muddy in places, with long moderate slopes.

Walking

Black Rock Trail

Zigzag steadily up through the beech and larch forest to Black Rock viewpoint for stunning views over Loch Tay.

Wide, uneven gravel surface throughout. Long moderate slopes for up to a mile with some fairly steep sections.

2 ¾ miles / 4.5 km

Allow 2 hours

Walking

Caisteal MacTuathal Trail

A superb circuit of Drummond Hill, taking in the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and some wonderful views over Strathtay and Glen Lyon. Follow the stone boar carvings.

Largely wide, uneven gravel surface. Section of rough, narrow earth and grass path with rocky parts. Some long steep slopes. Short patches may be muddy.

5 ¾ miles / 9.4 km

Allow 4 hours

More information

This Pictish hill fort was named after Tuathal, the son of a 9th century Abbot of Dunkeld. With its clear views to north and south, it's easy to see why this site was part of a network of look-out points. From the fort you can retrace your steps or continue round the full circuit.

Facilities & access

Parking

There are public toilets and a cafè at the Mains of Taymouth courtyard in Kenmore.

Getting here

Drummond Hill is a ¼ mile from Kenmore at the east end of Loch Tay. Look for the sign for 'Drummond Hill Forest Walks' from the A827 as it passes through the north of the village.

Using SatNav?

PH15 2HN is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Infrequent local buses stop at Kenmore, a ¼ mile walk from the forest entrance. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.